Detailed job description and main responsibilities

1.     Working with colleagues ensure the reception area delivers a timely processing of samples and test requests.

2.     Following Standard Operating Procedures ensure that all send-away samples are packaged and despatched in compliance with special postal regulations.

3.     Ensure senior staff, are made aware when stock levels are low.

4.     Competent in the use of office equipment including computers, printers, fax machines and photocopiers.

5.     To use the laboratory IT system to input results of tests and to deal with enquiries for results, and to use the Trust PIMS system in order to look up patient details.

6.     To operate complex laboratory analysers in order to carry out investigations

7.     Will assist senior staff in the training of new staff.

8.     Assist in the receipt, processing and storage of all samples derived from clinical trials including those for which the department derives income.

9.     Remove samples and request forms from their plastic bags whilst checking the data on the sample matches that on the request form.

10.   To bring to the attention of senior staff all rejected samples due to inadequate patient ID or incorrect sample type for the test requested, or to contact the necessary persons, in accordance with the SOP for the area, to resolve any non-compliance with policy. 

11.   To undertake work for which they have been trained, which may take up to 2 months shadowing a trained member of staff.

12.   To have sufficient knowledge and competence to rotate through all sections of the laboratory as required.

13.   Following SOPs record and inform requestors of rejected samples.

14.   Prepare samples for analysis using techniques applicable to the areas of work – this may include attaching bar code labels, centrifugation, separation and prepare aliquots as required: Inoculate specimens on to prepared culture media or in to suitable test kits in accordance with SOPs using both manual and automated technology.  

15.   Book test requests into the laboratory computer system

16.   To assist in the safe disposal of used specimens and waste products and the daily cleaning of laboratory work surfaces.

17.   Assist in performing print runs of reports and their sorting for distribution as necessary.  Assist in the maintenance of both hard copy and computer held reports.

18.   To extract slides, reports and all necessary items for the multiple clinical and non-clinical meetings.

19.   To participate it the collection, receipt and safe storage of reagents and other supplies.

20.   To maintain an adequate supply of clean glassware, make up solutions and collect chemicals from the various stores as required.

21.   Participate in the maintenance of the safe storage of diagnostic material.

22.   To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.

23.   To assist with the issuing of consumables to service users as requested e.g. Slides for bone marrow collection.

24.   Respond to telephone enquiries within the area of work from staff in both primary and secondary care, giving test results (subject to departmental telephone SOPs), advice on sample types required for a large range of tests, requests for add-on-tests and those for emergency requests.

25.   Assist in the general running of specific analysers, equipment or tests.

26.   Perform basic maintenance checks as directed.

27.   To observe all departmental, Trust, national and European Health & Safety regulations relevant to the service, ensuring attendance at the annual departmental H&S update. In addition all staff must sign the departmental H&S policy to acknowledge understanding and compliance.

28.   To continually update your knowledge and skills whilst documenting this in your Continual Professional Development folder.

29.   To ensure contemporaneous completion of your induction and training records.

30.   To follow Standard Operating Procedures at all times.

31.   To attend meetings and training courses as necessary.

32.   To attend Statutory and Essential Update Training annually.

33.   To attend departmental briefings and/or acquaint yourself with the team brief posted on the departmental notice boards.

34.   To assist in the maintenance and compilation of workload statistics.

35.   To participate in an annual IPR and achieve any targets set at this time.

36.   Participate in the 24/7 rotas for ATO and support staff

37.   Whilst participating in this rota identify, prepare, and store patient samples in the relevant locations.

38.   Ensure that samples received match work lists, the patient ID is correct before testing and there is sufficient sample to perform the assay.

39.   To carry out other duties commensurate with the post.